Beginning Acrylic Art Classes

I’m Nancy Murphy, the painter behind Yellow Dot Artist. I teach beginning acrylic painting at the Virginia Beach Art Center and the Barrier Islands Center in Virginia. I started painting in a two-hour class myself, so I remember what it’s like to sit down in front of a blank canvas and wonder where to begin.

In my classes, I demonstrate each step and give you time to try it yourself. You’ll learn how to mix colors, build a painting in layers, and use light and shadow to give it depth. I’ll help you get started and leave plenty of room for you to make the painting your own.

I’ll be in the North Texas area from December 16, 2026, through March 16, 2027, and I’m available to teach one-time workshops and short series.

Sample Classes

Sass in a Stetson

Paint a Whimsical Cowboy or Cowgirl

In this workshop, you’ll invent a cowboy or cowgirl and paint a playful head-and-shoulders portrait. Give your character a crooked brim, a polka-dot bandana, or a sideways glance that says they know something you don’t.

Paws in Red Boots

Step into a playful world of bold black silhouettes and bright red boots in this relaxed beginner acrylic painting class. Inspired by the charming Folk Art style of expressive animal portraits, you’ll learn how to create your own confident, personality-filled paintings of cats and dogs wearing fabulous red high-heeled boots.

Painting a Majestic Spring Tree

You’ll learn how to bring a beautiful spring tree to life on canvas. This step-by-step class is perfect for those who are brand-new to painting or anyone who wants to strengthen their foundational skills.